Jewish Educational Loan Fund

The Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF) partners with Jewish students in a 5 state region (FL, GA, NC, SC, and VA) to fulfill their potential by providing last dollar, interest-free loans for post-secondary education. These loans can be used for study at a college or university, graduate school, or professional/vocational school that leads to a degree or certificate.

The origins of JELF began over 120 years ago when provisions were made for a Jewish orphanage for immigrant children in the Southeastern United States. The Hebrew Orphans’ Asylum opened in Atlanta in 1889. In 1930, the orphanage became the Hebrew Orphans’ Home and oversaw foster home placements. The Home’s caseload swelled after World War II with immigrants needing various social services which the agency began to provide. The name was changed in 1948 to Jewish Children’s Services. The agency again underwent changes in 1960 when JCS decided to help students entering college with interest-free loans. Throughout the next few decades the need for the loan program increased and the organization became JELF.

Due to the current challenges in our economy and the continuing rising costs of college, the need for JELF interest-free loans for post-secondary education for Jewish students is greater than ever. JELF received a record number of applications (215) for the 2009-2010 school year and loaned nearly $500,000. The organization, which has loaned $5.8 million total since 1961, currently maintains an outstanding loan portfolio of over $2.8 million and has a 98+% loan repayment rate – as one loan is repaid, another is made. Your gift will continue to recycle and help students attend school for generations. Endowment funds are an essential component of our operations and loan program and ensure financial stability of the organization.

A gift to JELF fulfills the highest and most honorable level of tzedakah. According to Maimonides, the highest form of charity is to help a person help himself. Your bequest guarantees an endless cycle of JELF interest-free loans and ensures that all Jews, regardless of their financial situation, can attain the education they need to become successful and self-sufficient and maximize their potential in life.

Create a Jewish Legacy is an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta to build a strong, vibrant community, now and in the future with bequests for permanent endowments. It promotes the message that all of us, regardless of age, wealth, or affiliation, have the ability to make a difference for future Jewish generations. As the central umbrella organization for Jewish Atlanta, it makes sense for Federation to lead this program on behalf of the entire community.
Learn more about Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.